Lawyer for trooper in use-of-force case says charges negatively impact public safety

NEWFANE, Vt. (WCAX) - The lawyer for one of the troopers, cited in connection with a use-of-force incident in Newfane, says the Vermont attorney general’s decision to bring charges has long-term consequences for public safety.

A judge last week rejected the simple assault charge against Ryan Wood and Zachary Trocki in connection to an incident in Newfane where a man fell off a roof after being hit with a bean bag round fired by one of the troopers.

The troopers say they were doing what they were trained to do.

“Knee-jerk reaction to charge officers with crimes is really going to dampen how police confront situations where people are in jeopardy and quite frankly it will dampen anybody’s desire to be a Vermont state trooper,” said David Sleigh, Sgt. Wood’s Attorney.

The two troopers are due in court next week to address the remaining reckless endangerment charge.

Attorney General Charity Clark is not commenting on the case.